A Short History of EPGS
by Jim Brackin, April 14, 1993

The Eastern Pennsylvania Gaming Society -- EPGS -- is becoming a recognized leader in gaming circles around the tri-state [NJ-PA-DE] area. We have regular meetings, a growing membership, and a large variety of gaming tastes. Thus EPGS fulfills a need for most gamers and is trying to reach many more. At this time we should reflect upon the formation and growth of EPGS to see the adversity that was overcome and to appreciate the value of the club that we all share.

Early in 1990 three gamers were looking for each other, although they didn't know it. They were scanning and placing "Opponent's Wanted" ads in Avalon Hill's General magazine when they ran into each other. They were Joel Ferich, Jeff George, and Don Lancaster. A meeting was set for March 31, 1990 at the William Jean Library in Conshohocken, PA. Officers were chosen on a voluntary basis and were: President - Joel Ferich, Secretary - Mike Nagel, and Treasurer - Carmen Petruzzelli. The first version of the EPGS newsletter -- "The Eagle's Lair" -- appeared shortly after this meeting to offer after-action reports, an upcoming schedule, and organizational information (some things never change). At this time membership was twelve gamers and we looked to be off to a strong start.

The first order of business to be conducted was to establish a name for our club. The initial suggestion was to be based on the premise of an "Historical Study" group. This was ruled out so that non-wargamers would realize that they too were welcome. The name "Gaming Society" was chosen to avoid prejudice from other special interests within our hobby [I like my version better].

The facility arrangements that EPGS had at the beginning had to be at extremely minimal cost (free). This led to the problem of the society being bumped out by paying customers. In April 1990 this occurred for the first time with the result of two meetings being scheduled in May. The first on May 5 was to be the last for the library and its limited gaming hours (10am to 4pm). On May 19, "The Boathouse Restaurant" in Conshohocken became the new home of EPGS. This enabled gaming hours to be expanded from noon to 2am. The facility gave us a room with plenty of tables and some freedom to game. The one stipulation was that we would buy food and beverages from the establishment. Throughout our stay there, this proved to be a problem. From not paying tabs to not tipping the staff, controversy hung over us.

Throughout this period from April to September, EPGS grew to 21 members, had regular meetings, and introduced a raffle (original prizes were gift certificates to the Compleat Strategist). Unfortunately the October meeting was canceled at the last minute due to the prior scheduling of the room and not everyone was informed. The November meeting suffered from this and had a small turnout. The staff of EPGS, Mike and Joel (Carmen had left by then), were informed that the Boathouse was booked up to February and we could not use their facility. So back to the confines of the Library for the December meeting.

January 1991 brought a new optimism and our present home. We moved to the good ol' George Washington Motor Lodge [which has since been sold and renamed "The Inn at Plymouth Meeting"] -- which expanded our gaming hours from 9am to 9am the following day -- and continued to grow. But we were still not out of the woods. The attendance during the winter months was strong and at our anniversary meeting in March we had a couple of Clash of Arms Games representatives attend [Ed Wimble & Steve Rawlings]. Jeff George took over as Treasurer and we were able to break even throughout the Spring. In May the meeting was again canceled but made up in June with another two meeting month. Throughout the Spring of 1991 the picture seemed rosy to EPGS. But as summer came upon us, the allure of outdoor activities and vacations loomed. In June and July, attendance plummeted and in August an all-time low of six members showed up [actually, there was one meeting in the Library with only three of us: myself, Jeff George and Jeff Boggess ... we played Avalon Hill's MBT ...].

Something was wrong and the situation had to be rectified. Complaints of not knowing when meeting times or locations were heard and the newsletter was appearing bi-monthly. As with most organizations, the problem was occurring from the top down. This is in no way a slight to our founding fathers. Rather, the strain of holding EPGS together was having an effect on their personal lives. They no longer had the time to do what they wanted to Or what was needed.

September 1991 showed an apprehensive group of gamers attending the monthly meeting. Greeting us was the Sickle and Hammer [an honest-to-God Soviet flag ... it was quite a sight!] and a series of proposals for the betterment of EPGS. As happens in all great societies, a purge took place. New titles and functions were distributed, new ideas were expounded, and the new ministerium waved (the whole process had a sort of 'Kremlin' atmosphere). The new administration was approved by the membership present -- Dave Bozzini: Minister of Propaganda, Tony Toglia: Minister of Internal Affairs, Joel Ferich: Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Jeff George: Minister of Finance. Important issues were: a six month contract for facilities, raising the dues from $3 to $4, repayment to Jeff George for supporting us for several months due to low dues income, and renaming the EPGS newsletter "Vive L'Epereur!"

These policies took EPGS from a struggling group to the strength that we have today. EPGS tries to offer diversity to area gamers. To curtail low summer attendance, the "Summer Games" championships were established and have been well received.

There was a changing of the guard again in September 1992 when the current administration took over to relieve the chores of the past leaders. Greg Jablonski took over as editor of the EPGS newsletter, renaming it "Dispatches." Gene Haley took over newsletter production when it was decided that there was too much work for one person. Pat Dowd took over as Treasurer in October 1992. An organization like ours needs volunteers who are willing to take the extra step. We also need fringe helpers who do little things to make our leader's jobs easier. To quote Joel Ferich, "can't emphasize enough the contributions of all those who volunteer."

In conclusion, I would like to thank the following persons: Joel Ferich, for all that was done and for being a good quote; Jeff George for info on the beginning and for holding us together; Dave Bozzini for taking control when no one else did; and Mike Nagel, whose EPGS archives include every newsletter written and without which I couldn't have written this article. I also thank every member of EPGS, past and present, for making us what we are. I'd like to end with a quote from the very first EPGS newsletter, "The Eagle's Lair" written by Mike Nagel on April 16, 1990: "Finally, I'd like to say that I'm positive of our club's success. I believe that this thing can fly as long as a degree of enthusiasm and commitment exists and we are willing to contribute in some way to ensure its existence. I hope that this club can be an accessory to our pre-existing levels of gaming and that these new friendships and interactions can enhance our hobby." Mike, I believe that EPGS has maintained this high standard in the past and I hope that we always will. [Actually it was Joel Ferich who wrote those words and Jim is right ... Joel's a good quote.]